Miquel Targets Gran Piemonte Podium
Bahrain Victorious will target a podium finish through Pau Miquel at Gran Piemonte today, as veteran Damiano Caruso brings his professional cycling career to a close.
The 110th edition of the Italian Classic covers 185 kilometres from Asti to Bra, with a hilly route through the Piedmont region expected to favour a reduced group in the finale.
Head sports director Gorazd Stangelj believes Miquel can be among the contenders on a demanding course featuring the climbs of Manera, Tre Cunei, Roddino and La Mora.
"This edition is wide open," Stangelj said. "I guess it will be a matter of a restricted sprint, and we aim to be there to contest it with our leader Pau Miquel to jump onto the podium."
Afonso Eulalio and Edoardo Zambanini are expected to play key roles in protecting Miquel and positioning him for the finish, while Matej Mohoric and Alessandro Borgo will cover dangerous early moves.
Caruso will once again serve as road captain in what will be the final race of his professional career.
The 38-year-old Italian announced earlier this season that he would retire at the end of 2026 and will remain with Bahrain Victorious as a sports director.
Caruso competed in both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France this year, helping Eulalio secure the Giro's white jersey before completing the Tour on the Champs-Elysees.
"There is some emotion, even though I have been preparing myself for this moment for months," Caruso said.
"Now I'll enjoy these final kilometres on the bike, honouring my role as road captain and, above all, giving my all until the very end for this sport that has given me so much."
